Crime

Pembrokeshire motorists warned of fake parking QR code scam

Published

3 months ago

August 18, 2024

PEMBROKESHIRE’S motorists are being warned to stay vigilant after reports surfaced of a new scam involving fake QR codes on parking signs. The scam, which has been dubbed “quishing,” has been reported across the UK, with Pembrokeshire being among the areas affected.

This month, RAC issued a nationwide alert urging drivers not to use QR codes to pay for parking, following a rise in incidents where fraudulent codes lead to websites that steal personal data and bank details. Councils, including Pembrokeshire County Council, have confirmed that they do not use QR codes for parking payments and have encouraged residents to be cautious.

The warning comes after Yori Evans, a 19-year-old local resident, fell victim to the scam at a car park outside Pembrokeshire County Council’s offices in Haverfordwest. Speaking to Sky News, Mr Evans recounted his experience: “I scanned the QR code, entered my details and paid, but it didn’t work correctly, so I downloaded the app and paid there instead.”

However, the next morning, Mr Evans discovered that £60 had been withdrawn from his account by a fraudulent website. “I was confused when the money left my account,” he said. “I cancelled my card immediately, and the day after, they tried to take another £57.99, but luckily the card had been cancelled.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has since reiterated that it does not use QR codes for payment in its car parks. A spokesperson for the council advised: “We encourage anyone who finds a QR code in our car parks to report it to us immediately. Customers should use the PayByPhone app, which is the official method for paying in our car parks.”

The scam has also been reported in other parts of the UK, including Northumberland and Barking and Dagenham in east London. It has even been seen at some electric vehicle charging stations.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, highlighted the dangers of this new type of scam: “The increasing popularity and ease of using QR codes appears to have made drivers more vulnerable to malicious scammers. For some, this sadly means a Quick Response code could, in fact, be a ‘quick route’ to losing money.”

Williams also warned that motorists could face additional fines if they are unaware that they haven’t paid for parking after being scammed: “As if this quishing scam isn’t nasty enough, it can also lead to drivers being caught out twice if they don’t realise they haven’t paid for parking and end up getting a hefty fine from the council.”

To avoid falling victim to such scams, motorists are advised to check that QR codes have not been stuck over official information and to ensure that the URL they are directed to is legitimate, carrying the padlock symbol in the browser. The RAC continues to advocate for the availability of traditional payment methods, as many drivers still prefer to pay with cash or card rather than relying on mobile apps.

Local authorities and the RAC are urging the public to remain cautious and to report any suspicious QR codes found in car parks. As the move towards digital payments accelerates, the importance of educating oneself about potential scams has never been greater.

Crime

Court hears man exposed his flaccid manhood ‘by accident’

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Court Reporter

A 21-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with intentionally exposing his genitals in a public place.

Thomas Jones is accused of carrying out the act at a property in New Moat, Clarbeston Road, on November 9, 2022.

“The defendant knocked on the door of a female and offered his gardening services,” Crown prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“She accepted his offer and moved her car so that he could move his van, but when she turned around, she could see his flaccid penis was outside his trousers. When she pointed this out to him, he said he didn’t know that it was exposed.”

Jones denies the charge. He was released on unconditional bail to await his trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on January 6.

Crime

Regular cocaine user from Milford Haven taken off the road

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN resident who admits to being a regular cocaine user has lost his driving licence after being found behind the wheel when he was 15 times over the legal Benzoylecgonine limit.

Teifion Morse, 41, was stopped by officers just before midnight on May 1 following reports that he was driving his Vauxhall Insignia along the A477 at excessive speeds.

“The vehicle was travelling westwards towards Kilgetty, and Teifion Morse was the driver and the sole occupant, “ Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

A roadside drugs wipe proved positive while further blood tests carried out at the police custody suite showed that Morse had 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system (the legal limit is 50), and 20 mcg of cocaine. The legal limit is 10.

Ms James said that when Morse was spoken to by officers, he told them that he knew the readings would be positive. “I’ve done stupid amounts today,” he said.

Morse, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of drug driving. A probation report stated that since leaving the military five and a half years ago, Morse has suffered from mental health issues.

He’s been using cocaine as a coping mechanism,” said the probation officer. “He freely admits that he uses cocaine to help him cope, but it’s spiralled and is getting more and more out of control. He would like support to kick this habit.”

Morse chose to be legally unrepresented when he appeared before magistrates.

“It was my stupid fault and I’m trying to take the correct steps to get on the right path,” he said in mitigation.

Morse was sentenced to an 18-month community order during which he must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and must pay a £140 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Motorist manned from driving after being caught over limit

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKE DOCK motorist has been ordered off the roads after driving through Pembroke town centre when he was over the drink-drive limit.

Just before 1am on October 31, police officers stopped a Vauxhall Zafira that was being driven along South Road by Cameron Sell, 23, who was exceeding the speed limit.

“He was acting erratically when he was speaking to the officer,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverofrdwest magistrates this week.

A roadside breath test proved positive and subsequent breath tests carried out at the police station showed Sell had 42 mcg of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 35.

After considering the facts, magistrates fined Sell £300 and ordered him to pay a £120 court surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.